General Radiology

People often equate general radiology with taking X-rays, also called radiographs. For the vast majority of us, an X-ray is our first experience within the medical specialty of radiology. As you know, a radiograph is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat injuries and medical conditions. Basic radiology involves exposure to a small dose of ionizing radiation, which helps to differentiate between different tissues in the body, such as bone, soft tissue, and lung.

Radiation Safety

Digital X-rays, as those used in the facilities associated with Fullerton Radiology Medical Group, use digital equipment that reduces the ionizing radiation dose dramatically. This provides higher-quality imaging and faster processing while enhancing patient safety. The captured image can be seen immediately by the performing technologist and additional images obtained if needed. Studies are then sent electronically to the radiologist who interprets the images and creates a report.

FRMG doctors work closely with the technologists, administration, and medical physicists at each site to ensure a safe environment for patients, hospital staff, and the public. Imaging is obtained using the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable — which means that a minimum amount of radiation is used to obtain diagnostic quality studies. Although some studies require a certain level of radiation to provide the necessary information, it is important to reduce the amount of exposure to patients and others as much as possible. Technologists limit the exposure of radiation to the body part of interest, and provide shielding to other sensitive body parts when possible.

It is also possible to reduce radiation by choosing a study that does not require radiation, such as Ultrasound or MRI. These technologies can provide the diagnostic information needed for many conditions, although some conditions are still best evaluated with a radiation based modality like X-ray, CT, or fluoroscopy. If you have any concerns about radiation safety, please discuss any potential alternatives with your doctor, who can consult with the Radiologist if necessary.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a technology which utilizes real time X-rays to either provide diagnostic information or guide procedures. Some patients experience fluoroscopy during an upper GI study to evaluate the esophagus and stomach, or a barium enema study to evaluate the colon. Many procedures also utilize fluoroscopy as the primary method of guidance, often with the injection of contrast or other materials to see inside the body. Fluoroscopy is performed in a specialized room with a table and x-ray detector that move around so that different parts of the body can be evaluated without the patient moving.

Other Modalities

While Radiology was originally founded with the discovery of x-rays, it has since grown and expanded to now include numerous technologies to provide non-invasive or minimally invasive imaging. This includes CT, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, and mammography. Each imaging technique has its strengths and weaknesses, and different conditions require different imaging techniques for evaluation. In some cases, multiple imaging modalities are necessary for complete evaluation of a condition. Radiologists work with your doctors to determine the best plan for imaging to provide the most useful information in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Nuclear Medicine

Yet another division of Radiology is Nuclear Medicine, a field centered on using radioactive isotopes attached to various chemical compounds (known as radiotracers) that are administered, then using the properties of the radiotracer, images can be obtained showing very specific information. Examples of nuclear medicine include PET scans, bone scans, cardiac stress scans, and lymphoscintigraphy. Most of the compounds, or radiotracers are given to the patient either through an IV, injected locally into tissue of interest, or orally in the form of a tablet or mixed with other materials. Because very specialized radiotracers can be made, the radiotracers are absorbed by very specific organs. Specialized detectors then create images of the radiotracers based on the radiation it emits.

Nuclear medicine can also be used for therapeutic purposes. The most common type is Radioactive Iodine Ablation of the thyroid gland. Because the thyroid gland is primarily responsible for the uptake and utilization of iodine, it is possible to give a special radioactive type of iodine which causes tissue damage over the course of several hours or days. The radiation is limited to only nearby tissues, so for the most part only the thyroid gland is damaged. This can be useful in the case of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism or Grave’s disease) or in the case of thyroid cancer. Other therapeutic treatments using nuclear medicine in radiology include targeting tumors in the liver or bone with radioactive material to help treat cancer.

Most of the radiotracers used in imaging are not harmful to others because the radiation dose is low, the extent of any damage is small, and the radiation wears off within hours. However, in some instances you may be asked to take precautions or even stay in the hospital after receiving radioactive material, and hospital staff will take precautions to protect themselves while administering the radiotracer.

To learn more or for any questions, please call (714) 970-0200 or email office@fullertonradiology.org. For facility specific questions or concerns, please use the Locations page to find the appropriate contact information. Fullerton Radiology Medical Group radiologist physicians help doctors and patients at its affiliated locations, which serve the Anaheim, Brea, Corona, Fullerton, Orange, Placentia, Riverside, Yorba Linda, Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel Valley, Chino Valley, Chino Hills, San Dimas, Montclair, City of Industry, and neighboring communities.